The Miami University field hockey team advanced its record to 8-3 after a successful weekend against Ball State University and Missouri State University.

The RedHawks shut out the Ball State Cardinals 2-0 as well as the Missouri State Bears 3-0. The 'Hawks started the weekend Oct. 3 as they headed to Muncie, Ind. to take on the Ball State Cardinals. As the whistle blew for the match to start, the Cardinals looked strong.

"We were a little slow out of the gate when we opened the game versus Ball State," Head Coach Jill Reeve said. "BSU looked well-organized and played hard, they are an emotionally driven team."

The Cardinals dominated the field first offensively as they took six shots on goal within the first 15 minutes. The RedHawks slowly gained momentum, as junior Jackie Nguyen scored the first goal of the game with an assist from senior Mary Hull.

Miami was in full force, continuing to take numerous shots on goal. After many goal attempts, freshman Emily Gruesser landed another goal for Miami with an assist from Hull. The first period ended five minutes later with a score of 2-0.

During the second period, both teams came out ready to play.  The Cardinals were eager to strike back as they took more shots on goal. All shots were successfully blocked by Miami's defense.  Neither team dominated during the second period, as the ball continued to go back and forth across the field.

The RedHawks held their composure for the remainder of the match, shutting out the Cardinals and clenching the win. Reeve was pleased with her team's performance, but believes her team has more potential than what was shown.

"We worked ourselves into the game well enough, but we must fight stronger from the push back from now on," Reeve said.

The 'Hawks headed home, where they hosted the Missouri State Bears Oct. 3. The RedHawks started strong, dominating the field for the majority of the first period. After several goal attempts by Miami, senior Christine Brightwell sunk a point for Miami with an assist from junior Amanda Seeley.

The RedHawks returned at full strength second period and Hull scored another goal for Miami in the first four minutes. Senior Kate Snyder followed Hull's lead, scoring the final goal of the match. Miami's defense held strong, allowing little action by the goal, to bring the final score to 3-0.

Freshman Sarah Mueller was given much of the credit for the team's shut outs, as she made five saves against Ball State and two saves against Missouri State.

"The defense worked great so that we could build it up from the back, we got better and better," Mueller said. "What helped us a lot during the game was confidence in winning built up in the back and transferred into the front."

Reeve sees these wins as a stepping-stone to the team's progression.

"Winning these games is a tribute to our team's determination, something we can build on," Reeve said. "I am looking forward to continuing our growing process."